“Matt, don’t worry, we’ll manage. Now put a smile on that grumpy-pants attitude of yours, and I’ll do the same tonight.” They both laughed and rang off.
“Anna, we’re here.”
Matt’s voice carried down the hallway as Anna smoothed her hand over her curls one more time and excited her bedroom.
A short couple stood beside Matt. Matt’s dad was a good foot shorter than he was, balder than a coffee bean, and sported a 70s-era pencil-thin mustache. His mom had to be five-foot-nothing. Her plump hourglass figure flared out to very large hips. Anna could tell by looking at her that she had been quite attractive at one time. Her thick curly waves pinned in a chic updo were clearly where Matt got his wonderful head of hair.
Anna towered over them both as she moved forward to meet them.
“Anna, this is my mom, Faye, and my dad, Darren.”
“Mom, Dad, this is the love of my life, Anna.”
Anna had prayed and asked God to lead her. So when she heard the Spirit whisper to give them both a hug, she did just that.
Faye stood stiffly in Anna’s arms with her hands at her side, but Anna gave a good squeeze anyhow, and then turned to Matt’s father and embraced him with a quick hug and a smile.
“I’m so happy to meet you, come in, come in.” She waved them forward.
“Matt, I hear Melody, she’s just waking up from her nap, will you go get her?” He nodded and disappeared down the hall.
Faye entered with a haughty jut to her chin. She looked around with a lifted brow at the humble abode before she sat gingerly on the edge of the sofa as if she was afraid of catching fleas. “How very … quaint,” she said. “I bet you’re looking forward to moving into Matt’s lovely home.”
Anna chose a smile. “We’re thinking of selling his big house. He says he feels more at home here.”
Faye harrumphed as if she did not believe a word.
Darren plunked himself in the chair across the room and leaned back. “Anna, I noticed you were surprised by us two shorties. I bet you’re wondering where Matt gets his height and good looks from. I’ve been saying for years that the mailman must’ve been a tall good-looking dude.
“Oh, Darren, as if I was the first to have an affair. Back in that day, I actually thought you cared.”
“Oh, don’t start whining, Faye. You’ve more than made up for any indiscretions I had.”
Anna felt awkward as the two glared at each other, clearly not caring who heard them. She prayed for wisdom.
“Are you looking forward to the party tonight?” Anna cut into the tension. “I’m not so good with crowds, but I’ll do my best. Matt on the other hand is such an extrovert—the polar opposite of me. You know what they say, opposites attract.” Anna knew she was babbling but didn’t care. Babble was better than war.
Faye turned toward Anna. “Yes, but for how long, my dear? Now that’s the question.
A muscle in Darren’s jaw clenched, and his voice turned edgy. “Sour doesn’t look good on anyone, Faye. I know you can’t resist throwing a dig my way at every opportunity, but not everything is about you. Do you think you can manage a few happy moments for our only son’s engagement party?”
A stormy scowl settled on Faye’s expression, and she pursed her lips as if she had just tasted a bitter lemon. She pivoted away from her husband.
Turning toward Anna she said, “So, Matt tells me you’re a widow? How long has your husband been gone?”
Anna blanched at the question but was not about to start lying again. “About fifteen months.”
Faye raised her eyebrows. “Oh, I see the apple does not fall too far from the tree. Like father, like son.”
“Now what exactly do you mean by that, Faye?” Darren huffed.
“Do the math, sweetie. Matt said their baby was six months old, that means they were dipping in the sunshine before her husband was cold in the grave! Obviously, they had a relationship while the poor man was on his death bed.”
Anna looked toward the nursery and wondered why Matt was taking so long. What could she say? A defense would only strengthen the accusation.
“Aren’t you religious?” Faye badgered. “Matt said something about going to your church and finding Jesus. Yup,” she said, nodding her head, “it’s always the religious ones you have to watch the most.”
Anna felt heat swallow her face.
“I made a huge mistake, Faye, by not honoring my husband’s memory as long as he deserved, but whether you believe me or not, I was not unfaithful to him.” She sat up straight as if someone had put starch in her spine. “You’re right, I didn’t live according to my beliefs when I entered into a physical relationship with Matt before marriage. But I’ve asked God to forgive me and make no excuses for my failure. And this one thing I know” she said with a genuine gentleness. “Though I’m far from innocent, I know I’m forgiven.”
A glint of respect flickered in Faye’s eyes at Anna’s honest answer.
“Now can I interest you in tea or coffee?” Anna stood and headed to the kitchen, glad the open concept design allowed them to stay put while she busied herself.
“Faye, Matt told me that your favorite cookie is shortbread. I just happen to have the best recipe ever, and I baked them just for you. Let me know what you think?”
Anna moved about the kitchen as if nothing unpleasant had just transpired.
“And Darren, not to forget you, I baked an apple pie. Matt wasn’t sure if it was your favorite or not, but he knows you like pie.”
Darren smiled in response. “Why, I don’t know the last time I had a home-baked pie, and boy, do I like apple. He turned without thinking to his wife.
